Benedikt Fontana

Benedikt Fontana (1473-22 May 1499) was a general of the Old Swiss Confederation during the Swabian War.

Biography
Benedikt Fontana was born in 1473 in Riom. He was the son of Heinrich II of Riom, a member of the Bishop's ministry in Riom, and due to family ties he was friendly with the Grisons League. He was several times the bishop's bailiff Riom (1473, 1481-84, 1492 and 1496-97). He was also captain of the Bishop-Prince's castle at Val Venosta, and during the Swabian War, he led Grison forces in the Battle of Calven. Benedikt was killed in the battle, and urged his men "Today and the Grison League, or never!" before he died. Today, he is a hero of Switzerland.